Queensland has recorded another 11 deaths from COVID-19 and confirmed 9,546 new cases in the latest reporting period.
There are 928 people in hospital, which Chief Health Officer John Gerrard said was a "significant rise" from yesterday, including 51 patients who are in intensive care.
Thirteen people are on ventilators.
Of the state's latest 11 deaths, one person was in their 50s, one in their 60s, two in their 70s, three in their 80s and four in their 90s.
Four people were unvaccinated, one had received one dose of a COVID vaccine, six had two doses.
None had received a booster.
Speaking in Townsville with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Dr Gerrard said there were 37 people with COVID-19 in the local hospital there.
"I understand an extra ward was opened last night," Dr Gerrard said.
"We expect an acceleration in the number of cases in Townsville over the next two weeks as Townsville approaches its peak."
Peak to hit at different times across state
Dr Gerrard said at this stage Queensland hospitals were coping well.
"There is no question that as we approach the peak there will be strain and stress on individual hospitals but the peak appears to be slightly less in most areas, and it won't necessarily be the same everywhere, than we had planned for," he said.
Dr Gerrard said different regions would experience their peaks at different stages.
"It's surprising how quickly this virus does spread, so the Gold Coast is probably going through its peak now or probably just passed its peak," Dr Gerrard said.
"We can expect Brisbane to go through its peak next and probably Townsville the following week ... it's that sort of rate of progression.
"Cairns interestingly is a little bit earlier, probably approaching the peak now or in the next few days so it's different in different regions."
Dr Gerrard reminded Queenslanders to get their booster shot now if eligible.
"We know that the booster dose gives significantly additional protection well over and above the second dose," Dr Gerrard said.
"It's well and truly worthwhile getting that third dose if you're eligible for it, that is if you had your second dose three months ago.
Ms Palaszczuk said Queensland's plan for how schools will deal with COVID during the school year will be released when the Education Minister recovers from the disease.
"We wish her a speedy recovery," Ms Palaszczuk said.
"So as soon as she is back on deck the Education Minister and I will make the announcement.
"I think people can understand that I'd like the Education Minister to be here for that announcement."
'There will be some sort of tail'
Dr Gerrard said what Queensland is currently experiencing is "very much part of a global phenomenon".
"Pretty well the whole world is seeing this wave of Omicron almost simultaneously give or take a few weeks," Dr Gerrard said.
"Starting in South Africa, London, all around the world we're all experiencing the same thing, including right here in Townsville.
He said after that time it was expected there would be a lower number of cases in the community and the end of February or early March would "be a time to regroup".
"But in the meantime we are very much focused on the current wave as we reach a peak at various stages across the state as part of a global phenomenon."
